Christmas Ideas. I know its early?

Christmas Ideas. I know its early?
My grandfather past away Dec. 2006 and on Christmas of 2007 will be my first Christmas without him. My family and I would like some new ideas to do. We don't have much money but we don't want to do the same thing we always do. Me my mom and my grandma always get stuck in the kitchen making the dinner then every body shows up to eat and open presents. Then they leave and we are stuck in the kitchen cleaning up. We need a new way of doing things. Thanks for all the help.


Answers:

j b:  So sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Would everyone be able to pitch in with the workload in the kitchen? Also, how about having a grab bag when opening presents! That's always fun!! Or better yet could all of you go out to dinner this year - split the cost or pay for yourselves and go back to your house for dessert? God Bless you this Christmas - and your grandpa - he'll be watching over you all.
2007-08-02 15:06:46
buggys:  you could have a family breakfast Christmas morning and have everyone bring different sweet rolls, fruit, and drinks use paper plate and cups that makes the clean up easier. or do a potluck for dinner. or let someone else in the family host Christmas this year. we lost my father a few years back and found that it was much easier to change from what had done in the past. and do not be surprised if part of the family chooses to do something totally different this year apart from the family,
2007-08-02 15:08:43
Jai:  Well when this happened to a friend of mine they just went out to eat for some quiet family time and them came back home and watched their favorite movies.
2007-08-02 16:54:25
Chosen Answer
Lycanthrope777:  There are a few things you can do to avoid being in the kitchen all day. If there are any foods you eat that will last a while, make them a day or two in advance, so on Christmas day you'll only be making the things that absolutely have to be made that day. Another thing you could try is having a potluck (but this will work better if you have a lot of family members over). If you don't have any problems with it, going out to eat may be a good option; buffets are especially good for this. To add excitement to the day's events, see if there are any of those things in your town where you drive through different scenery made of Christmas lights; this can be a great nighttime event for the whole family. If you really need something to do, you could all go to the cinema to see the latest Christmas movie (this sounds weird, but you would be so surprised at how many people do it). I'm really sorry to hear about your grandfather; if it's not too painful for everyone, discussing good memories you have with him may help you cope with the fact that he's not there with you.
2007-08-02 16:55:19
mouses1:  Go out to eat on Christmas Eve. Subway is open or some nice Steakhouse. Go home and eat cake(made from the bakery) and drink punch.This is what we usually do, and there are others doing the same these days.(Too fast paced I guess)
2007-08-02 17:23:49
dvcgurl:  my regard to u and family maybe going out to eat or go to another relatives home its there turn
2007-08-02 17:30:21
candib:  I'm sorry for your loss. Maybe you could have a potluck type of meal. You could fix a couple of different types of soups. And then everyone else could bring a covered dish,like the desserts or a sandwich tray that would go with the soup. I would use crockpots. And use the turkey cooking bags,when whatever was in the crockpot is gone you can just throw away the bag all clean! And use plastic silver wear,foam bowls,paper plates. You know the fine china! lol! It will make your holiday alot easier. That way you and your mom & grandma can enjoy yourselves. And enjoy the memory of your grandfather.God bless and happy holidays a little early!
2007-08-02 18:42:37